Knee Supports and Braces
There are a wide range of knee supports and braces on the market, each promising differing levels of support, protection and movement, as well as an abundance of features designed for varying knee injuries. Here is a guide, designed to help you choose which brace would be most suitable for you:
Hinged Knee Braces
Hinged knee braces have rigid metal supports down the sides of the brace to provide maximum lateral protection. They are good for protecting and supporting the medial and lateral collateral ligaments. They are also suitable for cartilage tears and cruciate ligament ruptures.
Whilst providing the highest level of support, these braces also allow a very good range of motion. Most also have a hyperextension stop, meaning the knee cannot be straightened past 0 degrees (or hyperextended).
If you need to limit the range of motion (for example following surgery for certain injuries) this can be achieved with a brace that has a pin-stop mechanism. These work by using small pins on the hinge, which can be adjusted to vary the amount of flexion or extension permitted.
The main thing to consider with hinged braces is, what will you be using them for? In many cases knee braces for sports with any contact element (such as rugby) are not permitted, due to the risk of injuring an opponent.
Brands to consider - Donjoy, Mueller Knee Braces (UK) and McDavid Knee Supports (UK)
Stabilized Knee Supports
Stabilized knee supports offer a slightly lower level of support. They tend to have metal stays, metal springs and other strap like fastenings to provide support. They are great for supporting the knee joint in general following minor injuries and in helping to prevent re-injury. They are suitable for grade 1 and 2 ligament sprains (mcl, lcl, acl or pcl), minor cartilage tears and patella pain.
Where a hinged brace may be too bulky, or prohibited due to exposed metal parts, a stabilized brace makes an excellent alternative. Despite metal stays or springs, these braces do allow a good range of motion at the knee, suitable for most sports and activities.
Our favourites in the UK - Mueller Hg80 Knee Braces
Patella Stabilizing Knee Supports
These are designed to provide support and protection to the knee joint and in particular the patella. This type of support is better for injuries such as patella pain syndrome or chondromalacia patella. They can also be used in cases or patella dislocation.
The support will have a thick circular, horseshoe or J shaped buttress or padding around the patella to support and hold it in place. These braces can be either stabilized (with metal stays or springs), hinged or simple neoprene supports.
Simple Neoprene Knee Supports
These will provide mild or moderate support. They are made of neoprene which is excellent for retaining heat. Use this type of support for low level protection as well as warmth and compression. This is important for example for tendon injuries, especially where the knee will be subjected to repetitive strain over a period of time such as hill walking.
Knee Pads
Knee pads are knee supports which have a greater amount of padding over the front of the knee. This makes them suitable for Volleyball and sports which may involve landing or impact on the knee. Carpet fitters and similar workers may have special padded knee supports also.
